New design methods and simulation of linear actuators using ionic polymers

This paper presents new fabrication and simulation methods that can be used to design ionic polymer actuators with original new shapes in order to achieve linear displacements, rather than traditional bending ones, allowing to overcome one of the most limiting problems of ionic actuators. Actuator simulation methods together with a new design concept are presented. Simulation are compared to theoretical models and experimental data. First realizations following the new design principles are demonstrated